Shortlist announced for NPFL-VAT wonder goal

League Management Company (LMC) has announced a shortlist of three players for the NPFL-VAT wonder goal series for goals scored on match day 21.

The nominees are Godwin Obaje (FC Ifeanyi Ubah), Wilfred Ammeh (Niger Tornadoes) and Ubong Friday (Akwa United). It will be recalled that Ayo Saka of Rivers United won the maiden goal award announced early in the week.

Encouraged by the global attention Sikiru Olatunbosun's CNN goal of the week received in March, the wonder goal series was re-launched and rebranded at the start of the second round of the league season with the LMC and Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) partnering together.

Last season's top goal scorer Obaje made the list following his brace against Kano Pillars, which took his tally to nine goals. It was the first goal which earned him the nomination as he unleashed a first time right foot finish into the roof of the net, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.

Ammeh, a player who is predominantly right footed, scored a beautiful goal with his weaker left foot. The Tornadoes attacker was given time and space by the retreating MFM FC defenders and he expertly found top corner despite the presence of the defenders on the line.

Friday netted his goal against ABS FC in Uyo. The lively forward cut in from the left flank, and expertly unleashed a wonder strike which dinked over the defence, perfectly settling into the back of the net like a missile which hit the set target.

Voting for the winner started on Thursday, 1 June and will end at noon on Sunday, 4 June. The winner will receive N150,000 half of which will be donated to any charity organisation of his choice within the city where the club is based.